Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Friday, February 14, 2014

I Attended A "Smokey Joe's Cafe" Reunion



The Broadway cast recording from Smokey Joe's Cafe is one of my favorites. Last week, members of the cast reunited for two shows at Broadway cabaret room 54 Below and sang a number of tunes from the Leiber & Stoller revue - songs like On Broadway, I'm A Woman, and Spanish Harlem. DeLee Lively even shimmied for us in that little white dress of hers. I re-discovered a few classics like Saved and Fools Fall in Love. And of course, my favorite part of the evening (and the original show) was I Who Have Nothing. What a pleasure it was to relive this show from 15 years ago and what a pleasure it was to rediscover a few tunes that will surely be added to my Broadway Playlist.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Sharon Jones Says "Get Up and Get Out" to Cancer



When Sharon Jones entered the stage at the Beacon Theater last week, she apologized in advance should she forget a few lyrics. But no one in the diverse audience cared one bit, our sassy soul sensation...our ball of fire was back...back after months...back after fighting Stage II pancreatic cancer. 

Ms. Jones made us leap to our feet and showered us in tunes from her delayed album - Give the People What They Want - and even took us back 100 Days, 100 Nights. With her family, her friends, her Sharon Springs community and her fans in her bosom, she danced and gave her all and we loved her for it.

I am not sure how Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings are faring now on the road with this messy East Coast weather, but if their tour comes remotely close to where you are, they are a must see.    

Other Posts
Cancer Be Not Proud,,,,,,,,,,

Saturday, February 1, 2014

Random Happenings - January 2014

New mayor sworn in NYC and NJ Governor Christie deals with bridge scandal. Boy Scouts ban on gay members ends. Marijuana becomes legal in Colorado. Spider-Man, most expensive show in Broadway history, ends run after 1200 performances. Aspiring Hell's Kitchen playwright Daniel McClung tragically dies in Strand fire. The controversial playwright Amiri Baraka fades. Hackers successfully steal millions of credit cards numbers from retailers. 30K pound rotating  Machinal set stops on opening night; show goes on when stagehands unite and manually push set. Later that night after attending Machinal opening, journalist found in pool of his own blood after being beaten for bumping into a woman. The wives of former NY governors Spitzer and Patterson file for divorce and French president splits with girlfriend. First Lady turns 50 and the Apollo Theater turns 80.